Sports | Basketball - The Independent Florida Alligator

LeBron James, left, and Dwyane Wade speak to the media after the Miami Heat’s 104-87 loss to the San Antonio Spurs in Game 5 of the NBA finals on Sunday night.

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Rally: What will happen to the Miami Heat’s “Big Three” this summer?

By JONATHAN CZUPRYN< | June 16, 2014

The Miami Heat lost 4-1 in the NBA finals against the San Antonio Spurs, which leaves Miami with a 2-2 record in the Finals over the past four seasons. LeBron James now has the opportunity to leave town to pursue greener pastures after earning two rings in South Beach while Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh attempt to recover from an ugly championship series. Today, alligatorSports editor Jonathan Czupryn and assistant editor Richard Johnson debate what will become of the Heat going into the offseason.

Miami Heat forward Udonis Haslem shoots against the Indiana Pacers during the first half of Game 5 of the Eastern Conference finals.

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Gators in NBA Finals not producing due to limited minutes

By JORDAN MCPHERSON | June 11, 2014

With the Miami Heat and San Antonio Spurs still vying for an NBA championship, two former Gators are playing, but neither is making much of a contribution to his team’s postseason run.

Damontre Harris poses during Florida’s basketball media day. Harris will not return to UF in the fall.

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Harris will not return to UF in fall

By JONATHAN CZUPRYN< | May 21, 2014

Damontre Harris, who didn’t play a single minute for the Gators during his two-year tenure in Gainesville, will not return to Florida for the 2014-2015 season.

It was announced Thursday that USF center John Egbunu would transfer to UF.

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Florida lands USF transfer John Egbunu

By MORGAN MORIARTY | May 15, 2014

Florida may have found their replacement for graduating senior Patric Young.

Michigan forward Jon Horford reacts after making a basket during a game against Arizona in Ann Arbor, Mich., on Dec. 14.

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Horford to transfer from Michigan to Florida

By LANDON WATNICK< | Apr. 26, 2014

Jon Horford, Al’s younger brother, is coming to Gainesville.

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Former UF center named NBA Defensive Player of the Year

By LANDON WATNICK< | Apr. 21, 2014

In the absence of Derrick Rose this season, Joakim Noah has flourished for the Chicago Bulls.

Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) shoots during Washington’s 104-91 win against the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday.

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Brewer scores career-high 51

By JONATHAN CZUPRYN< | Apr. 15, 2014

Prior to Friday night, Corey Brewer had never scored more than 29 points in an NBA game. During his three-year tenure at Florida under Billy Donovan, Brewer topped out at 26 points.

Former Tennessee men’s basketball coach Cuonzo Martin (right) smiles as he is introduced as Cal’s new coach at a press conference Tuesday in Berkeley, Calif.

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Vols coach accepts Cal job

By LANDON WATNICK< | Apr. 15, 2014

The Cuonzo Martin Experiment at Tennessee is over.

Chris Walker attempts a shot during Florida’s 79-68 win in the Sweet 16 round of the NCAA Tournament against UCLA on March 27 in FedEx Forum in Memphis, Tenn.

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Walker to return for sophomore season

By LANDON WATNICK< | Apr. 9, 2014

Chris Walker will stay in Gainesville for another year.

Connecticut guard Lasan Kromah cuts down the net after beating Kentucky 60-54 at the NCAA Tournament championship game Monday in Arlington, Texas.

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Connecticut defeats Kentucky to win title

By LANDON WATNICK< | Apr. 7, 2014

ARLINGTON, Texas — After Kentucky guard Andrew Harrison’s desperation three-point attempt clanked off the rim, Connecticut's Ryan Boatright grabbed the defensive board, dribbled down the court and spiked the ball in celebration as the buzzer sounded.

Scottie Wilbekin, left, drives past Connecticut guard Ryan Boatright during the first half of Florida’s 63-52 loss to UConn on Saturday in Arlington, Texas. Wilbekin scored four points while recording one assist to three turnovers against the Huskies.

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Wilbekin struggles in Final Four matchup against Connecticut

By JONATHAN CZUPRYN< | Apr. 6, 2014

ARLINGTON, Texas — Scottie Wilbekin had every reason to perform well Saturday against UConn.

Patric Young (4) goes after a loose ball during the second half of Florida’s 63-53 loss to Connecticut in the NCAA Final Four tournament on April 4 in Arlington, Texas. UF will face UConn on Jan. 3.

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Young shows maturity, fight in Florida's Final Four matchup despite loss

By JONATHAN CZUPRYN< | Apr. 6, 2014

“I love being in school right now. I like getting my education. I’m learning more from coach (Billy Donovan) and he’s got a lot to offer me. He’s going to help develop me so when I go to the NBA, I’ll already be ready and teams won’t have to worry about developing me anymore.”

Florida’s starters huddle prior to the start of Florida’s win over Dayton on March 29 in FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn.

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UF's growth defines streak

By LANDON WATNICK< | Apr. 6, 2014

ARLINGTON, Texas — Now that the Gators’ season is officially over, let’s put their 30-game winning streak in perspective.

Florida center Patric Young (4) drives to the basket past Connecticut forward DeAndre Daniels (2) during the first half of the NCAA Final Four tournament game on Saturday in AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

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'GUYS THAT WERE REALLY WILLING TO BLEED FOR ONE ANOTHER' — Gators reflect on loss, teamwork

By LANDON WATNICK< | Apr. 5, 2014

ARLINGTON, Texas — This Gators team had all the pieces to win the program’s first national title since 2007. It had the depth, experience, chemistry and talent to make that goal a reality.

Dorian Finney-Smith (right) guards Kentucky's Julius Randle during the Gators' 61-60 win against the Wildcats on March 16 in the Georgia Dome in Atlanta.

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Previewing the competition: Looking at Florida's opponents in the Final Four

By JORDAN MCPHERSON | Apr. 3, 2014

No. 7 seed Connecticut (30-8)

Scottie Wilbekin calls out a play during Florida’s 62-52 win against Dayton on Saturday in FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn. Wilbekin was in the locker room with a high ankle sprain when Connecticut guard Shabazz Napier hit his buzzer-beater shot to top Florida 65-64 on Dec. 2.

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They meet again: UF and UConn face off in Final Four matchup

By LANDON WATNICK< | Apr. 3, 2014

UConn point guard Shabazz Napier was on a mission.

Billy Donovan looks down the court during Florida’s 62-52 win against Dayton on Saturday in FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn.

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Donovan’s patience pays dividends throughout career

By JONATHAN CZUPRYN< | Apr. 3, 2014

Billy Donovan was not sent from heaven to coach Florida’s basketball team. He is no miracle worker, magic healer or instant fix. On Saturday, he and the No. 1 seeded Gators will appear in their fourth Final Four in 14 seasons, but it took years for Donovan to turn water into wine.

UConn guard Shabazz Napier hoists the East Regional trophy after his team’s 60-54 win against Michigan State on Sunday in New York.

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UF gearing for UConn guard Napier

By JONATHAN CZUPRYN< | Apr. 2, 2014

Shabazz Napier has more All-Conference First-Team selections than Scottie Wilbekin. He has more career points than Patric Young and Will Yeguete combined. He had more minutes on the court in just his freshman year than Casey Prather had in nearly three years of action.

Connecticut forward DeAndre Daniels (2) dunks against Michigan State on Sunday in Madison Square Garden in New York.

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Huskies forward Daniels thriving in NCAA Tournament

By LANDON WATNICK< | Apr. 2, 2014

When people talk about Connecticut, the attention generally focuses on Shabazz Napier — the Huskies’ leading scorer and one of the most dynamic talents in the nation. But another player on UConn coach Kevin Ollie’s roster has stepped up in a big way for his team in the postseason.

Kayla Lewis attempts a shot during Florida’s 81-76 loss against Missouri on Feb. 20 in the O’Connell Center. Lewis will be the Gators’ only senior on the team’s roster next year.

SPORTS | WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

Seniors hand over team’s reins to redshirt junior Lewis

By GORDON STREISAND< | Apr. 1, 2014

This season, a small, quick, offensive-minded Florida team made its way to the second round of the NCAA Tournament despite having only eight players for much of the way.